Re: Can of corn

: : I grew up hearing the phrase "can of corn" used to describe
a type of flyball to the outfield in baseball. I can't for the life
of me remember, if I ever knew, what the derivation of this term
was. I do know that a can of corn was an easy fly to catch. Any
help?

: From a May 26, 2000 discussion:
: : This expression is used in American baseball to indicate a ball
that's hit and easily caught in the outfield. A "Can't miss" catch
is called a can of corn. I've heard it comes from old general stores
that would stack canned foods high against the wall behind the cash
register. When retrieving a can for a customer, the shopkeeper would
softly lob the can so it could be easily caught. Corn is used instead
of another food because the outfield is sometimes called the "cornfield".
I don't know if I believe this explanation of origin. Any ideas?

: Yes to all of the above ... except ... it's a ball hit softly,
not high, right at you. Very easy to catch.

:
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Also... this phrase was first used by Red Barber -- one of the
most famous baseball announcers ever.